Biblical Archaeology Review, Fall 2021

Step inside a glorious church and an archaeological mystery. The Israel Antiquities Authority has uncovered a magnificent Byzantine church dedicated to the “glorious martyr.” Although this martyr isn’t named, historical texts reveal possible identifications. Then tour a complete digital reconstruction of the church—prepared by archaeologists and digital specialists.

The biblical story of Joseph and his brothers may have an historical basis. Is it possible that the cultural memory of the Hyksos, who ruled Egypt during the 17th and 16th centuries B.C.E. but who were later expelled, morphed into the tradition of the Israelite sojourn in Egypt and the Exodus? The history and archaeology of ancient Egypt may provide an answer.

Recent excavations of a temple found at Tel Lachish offer a window into Canaanite worship in the mid-12th century B.C.E., just before the powerful city-state was destroyed. Our authors examine the rich array of cultic and ritual objects found amid the destroyed remains of the site’s Northeast Temple and explain what these finds reveal about Canaanite religious practice.

The Biblical Archaeology Society aims to educate the public about archaeology and the Bible. BAR interviewed three educators who share this vision—Eric H. Cline of the George Washington University, Melissa Cradic of the Badè Museum, and Jodi Magness of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill—on the importance of public scholarship and new directions in the field.